Waldorf Salad with Apples, Grapes, and Walnuts
Introduction
Struggling to find a salad that’s both refreshing and satisfyingly crunchy? This Waldorf Salad with Apples, Grapes, and Walnuts is the perfect solution—bursting with sweet fruit, nutty crunch, and a creamy dressing that ties everything together. Whether you’re packing a picnic lunch, hosting a potluck, or looking for a light side dish, this classic Waldorf salad never disappoints.
Why You’ll Love This Waldorf Salad
- Quick to assemble: No cooking required—just chop and toss.
- Balance of flavors: Sweet apples and grapes meet tangy yogurt dressing.
- Textural contrast: Crisp celery and crunchy walnuts add interest.
- Make-ahead friendly: Flavors meld in the fridge for an even better taste.
Key Ingredients
- Fruit & veggies:
- 2 cups apples (e.g., Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), cored & diced
- 1½ cups seedless grapes (red or green), halved
- 1 cup celery stalks, thinly sliced
- Nuts & seeds:
- 1 cup walnut halves, toasted and roughly chopped
- Optional: 2 tablespoons sunflower seeds for extra crunch
- Creamy dressing:
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- Pinch of salt and pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Method
- Prepare the produce:
- Wash and dry apples, grapes, and celery thoroughly.
- Core and dice apples into bite-sized pieces; halve grapes; slice celery thinly.
- Toast the walnuts:
In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast walnuts for 3–4 minutes, stirring until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Make the dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt (or mayo), lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Combine ingredients:
- In a large bowl, add apples, grapes, celery, and walnuts.
- Pour the dressing over the fruit and nuts.
- Gently toss until all pieces are evenly coated.
- Chill and serve:
Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to let flavors meld. Give a final toss before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Fruit swap: Try diced pears or pomegranate arils in place of apples or grapes.
- Dressing tweak: Use a blend of half yogurt, half sour cream for extra tang.
- Nut alternative: Replace walnuts with pecans or almonds if preferred.
- Savory twist: Add cooked chicken or turkey for a heartier salad entrée.
- Herb addition: Fold in chopped fresh parsley or mint for brightness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I prepare this salad in advance?
- Yes—make the dressing and chop ingredients up to 4 hours ahead. Toss just before serving to preserve crunch.
- How do I prevent apples from browning?
- Toss diced apples with a teaspoon of lemon or lime juice before combining with other ingredients.
- Is this salad gluten-free?
- Yes—all core ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just verify that any add-ins (like dressing or seeds) are certified gluten-free.
- Can I make this vegan?
- Substitute vegan mayo or coconut yogurt for dairy-based yogurt, and use maple syrup instead of honey.
Final Thoughts
The Waldorf Salad with Apples, Grapes, and Walnuts is a timeless classic that balances sweetness, crunch, and creaminess in every bite. Ideal as a side dish, brunch item, or light lunch, this easy-to-make salad brings color and flavor to any table. Give it a try and discover why Waldorf salad remains a favorite for generations.